SECTION C: THEMES FROM SELECTED EPISTLES (a) Highlight the attitude Peter recommended for Christians living...

Explanation

A. ATTITUDE PETER RECOMMENDED FOR CHRISTIANS LIVING AMONG PEOPLE OF OTHER FAITHS (1 PETER 2: 1-25).

i. Peter advised Christians to put away all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander

ii He said Christians should long for the pure spiritual milk (the word of God) so that they may grow up unto salvation

iii. Peter referred to Christians as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.

iv He further said that they are a people for His own possession who have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light.

v According to Peter, Christians were formerly not a people but now they are God's people, /hitherto they had not received mercy but now they have received mercy

vi, Peter urged Christians that, as sojourners and exiles, they should abstain from the passions of the flesh which wage war against the soul (E.g. Drunkenness/ lawlessness/idolatry

vii Peter said Christians should do good deeds among Gentiles so that they may see their good deeds and give glory to God/maintain good conduct

viii. In his letter, Peter advised Christians to be loyal to their masters whether they are gentle or oppressive / Be subjected to every human institution.

ix, He said Christians should do good so as to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

x. Again, Christians should live as free people of God but they should not use their freedom as cover-up for evil

xi. According to Peter, Christians should live as servants of God and should honor everyone

xii Christians should also love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the emperor

xiii. Peter says a servant Is approved of his calling if he endured pain while suffering oppression

xiv According to Peter, it is unacceptable if a servant is beaten for his wrong deed and he retaliates

xv But when one does evil and suffers for it, yet bears it patiently, he wins God's approval.

Xvi. Peter finally said that Jesus is a good example of the suffering servant who should be emulated

B, FACTORS THAT CAN MAKE CHRISTIANS TURN AWAY FROM PLEASING GOD

i Desires of the flesh/greed.

li, False doctrines.

iii Harsh economic conditions

iv. Ignorance of the word of God.

v. Persecutions/ fear of men.

vi. Difficult bitter or unpleasant experiences/ situations.

vii Materialism

vii. Cultural traditional practices

viii Unforgiving spirit.

ix. Lack of faith.

x. Disappointments thinking God is not listening.

xi, Occultic practices

xii Discrimination / Favouritism